Author Archives: Joan Goodchild

Gettysburg

We go on a lot of family trips. Short and long. Local and far. Travel is one of my “things.” So is planning the aforementioned travel. I almost get a high out of planning our trips; the timing, the lodging, … Continue reading

Posted in Lessons learned, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Share your memories!

My son started a new day camp this week and we arrived a little early the first day. We had to wait about 20 minutes to check him in, so I began doing what I frequently do when I’m stuck … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

What happened to our village?

Every autumn, my town holds a celebration that includes a parade down main streets to show our local pride. The parade includes kids, parents, community leaders and business owners who march with sports groups, schools and scouting troops. Last year, … Continue reading

Posted in Children, Lessons learned, Parenting, Reality check, This doesn't make sense | Leave a comment

The old person whisperer

Think about some of the things you’re really good at. When people think about you, what do they say? Maybe you’re a great listener. A generous friend. A long-distance runner. Successful career person. I don’t mean to brag, but my … Continue reading

Posted in Lessons learned, Old People, Reality check | Leave a comment

House calls

It’s almost fall, and that means colds and other various forms of sickness will start to be a regular occurrence in my home. My kids will make the inevitable trip to the doctors time and time again over the next … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The kid who got hit by a car, part 2: Kermit comes home

Last week, I gave you all the details, as best as I could recall, about the time I was hit by a car at age 6.  It is, for better and for worse, a defining moment in my life, and … Continue reading

Posted in Lessons learned | 1 Comment

The kid who got hit by a car

I’ve got many friends who I’ve been tight with for over 30 years. I’ve always considered myself a good friend in that I’m pretty faithful about staying in touch with those who have meant a lot to me in life. … Continue reading

Posted in Children, Lessons learned, Parenting | Tagged | 4 Comments

My father: The opposite of a Tiger Mom

Last Sunday, I ran 11 miles – a feat I never thought possible given my extreme hatred of running, coupled with my complete inability to do it with any finesse or skill. Yet when I made it to the finish … Continue reading

Posted in Children, Domesticity, Lessons learned, Parenting, Reality check | Leave a comment

Refusing to resort to small talk about big topics

A little over a week ago, my son and I were down the street from where the bombs went off during the Boston Marathon. We were not at the finish line, or anywhere close to the explosions at the time. … Continue reading

Posted in Children, Lessons learned, Parenting, Reality check | Leave a comment

Panic, fear and the unknown: My experience in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings

It is an incredibly horrible day here in Massachusetts. Two bombs went off within seconds of one another near the finish line of the Boston Marathon today. I was in the city during the event.  As a journalist, I feel … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments